Jesus met them on their way

We all have our favorite appearance of Jesus after the resurrection when he went about consoling his disciples. Today's Gospel has Matthew telling us how Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce the news to the disciples. "And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them...." 

Imagine how they felt - they must have been startled at first but they approached Jesus and embraced his feet and did him homage. Then Jesus said to the, "Do not be afraid." How often Jesus says those same words to us!
He is with us now and knows what all of us are going through with the many deaths, the contagious virus that seems to be everywhere, with the problems of so many now to find food, etc. But Jesus is with us and tells us again, "Do not be afraid!"